Billboard has announced a series of high-level editorial and corporate promotions, signaling a new chapter for the publication’s leadership. On Tuesday, the company revealed that Lyndsey Havens has been elevated to Executive Editor, while Dan Rys takes on the role of Executive Editor, Business. Joining them in the executive ranks are Shira Brown, named SVP of Video & Off-Platform Growth, and Mary Rooney, who ascends to SVP of Experiences.
In a significant shift at the top of the masthead, Leila Cobo and Jason Lipshutz have been appointed Co-Chief Content Officers. These changes come as longtime Editorial Director Hannah Karp prepares to exit the organization for a new position at Warner Music.
Editorial Leadership Elevated
Havens, who previously served as a deputy editor, has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Billboard as an intern in 2016. Over nearly a decade, she has become one of the industry’s most respected voices, known for her incisive cover stories on global icons like Billie Eilish and Post Malone. Beyond her reporting, Havens has been instrumental in shaping The Sound—the magazine’s music-centric core—and spearheading impactful initiatives such as the “Managers to Watch” list.
Rys, formerly the Director of Business News, will now oversee the brand’s comprehensive business coverage. A veteran of music journalism, Rys has spent over ten years decoding the complexities of major labels, streaming giants, and emerging industry trends. His portfolio includes definitive interviews with figures like Lucian Grainge and the Marley family, as well as investigative features on powerhouses such as Universal Music Group and EMPIRE.
Both Havens and Rys will report directly to Cobo and Lipshutz. In a joint statement, the Co-Chief Content Officers praised the duo: “Dan Rys has transitioned from a relentless reporter to a definitive leader in music business news, while Lyndsey Havens has proven herself to be one of the most discerning and reliable editors in the field today.”
Expanding Video and Live Experiences
On the corporate side, Shira Brown’s promotion to SVP of Video and Off-Platform Growth reflects Billboard’s aggressive expansion into digital multimedia. Brown will manage audience development and revenue streams across podcasts, mobile apps, and CTV platforms, with a focus on scaling original video production and developing new intellectual property.
Mary Rooney, now SVP of Experiences, has been the architect behind Billboard’s most prestigious live events, including Women in Music, Latin Music Week, and the brand’s presence at SXSW. In her new capacity, she will lead the strategy for all signature business events while cultivating new consumer-facing programs to strengthen Billboard’s brand identity.
Both Brown and Rooney continue to report to Chief Brand Officer Dana Droppo, who lauded their contributions: “Shira’s leadership has been a catalyst for our digital evolution, and Mary’s expertise in live execution has propelled our events to unprecedented heights. Their roles are vital to our future success.”
A Legacy of Excellence
As Billboard welcomes this new leadership tier, it also bids a professional farewell to Hannah Karp. Throughout her tenure, Karp was credited with sharpening the publication’s editorial focus and maintaining its status as the definitive record of the music industry. Her departure marks the end of a successful era as she transitions to her new role within the label sector.
